DUNEDIN: Pakistan’s T20I captain Shaheen Afridi has opened up about his decision to bowl first in the third T20I against New Zealand at the University Oval on Wednesday.
Pakistan suffered a 45-run loss in the third T20I match, courtesy of Finn Allen’s blistering 137 runs from 62 balls.
New Zealand attained an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the five-match series after thumping Pakistan in the first two matches.
Shaheen Afridi after the loss, revealed the reason for the decision to bowl in the post-match press conference.
“This ground’s history, both in international and domestic cricket, showed us that chasing is easier here. After consultation as a team, we thought it would be better to bowl first,” said Afridi.
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“Unfortunately, we didn’t deliver in the powerplay as a bowling unit, and our bowling has collapsed in these three games. However, we need to give this team time if we are to think about the big events ahead.”
Shaheen Afridi also praised Babar Azam, who scored half-centuries in every game of the series so far, however, he also acknowledged the need for support from other end.
“Babar proved how good he is once again and played 3 best innings in 3 matches. Yes, he wasn’t able to finish the game but to do that, you need some help to take the game deep,” Afridi stated.
“If a good batsman stayed with him at the other end then he could have finished the match.”
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